Ruben van Bommel provides artistic assist in Netherlands‑Germany draw
While the Netherlands and Germany finished in a 1‑1 draw, the 22‑year‑old left‑winger of PSV, Ruben van Bommel, provided an assist that Friday’s morning newspapers described as a work of art. His cross led to the goal by Cody Gakpo, a moment that was immediately described as sublime.
Reactions from journalists and analysts
Journalist Willem Vissers of De Volkskrant praised the ‘fabulous’ cross, writing: “He was on the pitch for a few minutes, debutant Ruben van Bommel, when he finished a dribble down the left flank with a right‑footed cross, using the outside of his foot. What a wonderful ball. A work of art in one touch.” Also Sjoerd Mossou of the Algemeen Dagblad and Mike Verweij of emphasized the perfection of the move.
Cody Gakpo, who finished the ball, later said: “I had already indicated where I was running and struck the ball with a beautiful effort against the net, after the sprint. Sublime goal, candidate for goal of the year.” His goal equalised the score in injury time.
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Mossou noted that the team of head coach Xavi initially struggled, with “a remarkable misunderstanding at the opposite goal, two disallowed goals, a series of missed chances and an injury to Brian Brobbey.” Nevertheless, Bommel and Gakpo provided a “well‑deserved celebration” in the stands, according to Verweij.